Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2012, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ Portrait and Biographical Record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, Michigan: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of the presidents of the United States. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1893 ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Page 453 THOMAS MURPHY, Chief of Police of Muskegon, was born in Ontario County, N.Y., September 7, 1844. He is the child of Charles and Jane (Wright) Murphy, natives respectively of Ireland and England, who emigrated to the United States soon after their marriage and located in Rochester, N.Y., re- maining in that city until their death. Thomas of this sketch passed his early school days in Canandaigua, where he gained a practical education. Upon leaving school, he was for a time employed on the railroad, remaining thus engaged until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1861 Mr. Murphy, though only a youth of seventeen, enlisted as a member of the Ninety-ninth New York Infantry, and served for two years, being hon- orably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He then re- enlisted as a member of the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, and was assigned with his regiment to the Army of the Potomac, in which he served with valor until the close of the war. In recognition of meritorious con- duct he was promoted from the ranks to the position of First Lieutenant, and subsequently became Captain of his company. Among the battles in which he participated may be mentioned the engagements of Fair Oaks and Spottsylvania Court House, together with a large number of minor skir- mishes. In September, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and returned to Rochester, N.Y., bearing with him the record of a brave soldier and gallant officer. After his return to Rochester, Mr. Murphy was for four years engaged as a clerk in a hotel. In 1871 he came to Michigan, locating in Muskegon, and accepted the position of conductor on the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad. He continued in the employ of the railroad for sixteen years, holding various positions, and finally receiving a merited promotion to the position of General Roadmaster, in which capacity he served until, on account of failing health, he was obliged to resign. Upon retiring from railroad service he was appointed Chief of Police, in which he has proved himself an efficient officer. In his fraternal connections, Mr. Murphy is identified with the Knights Templar, and the Maccabees, also the Modern Woodmen of America and Phil Kearney Post No. 7, G.A.R. Politically, he is an earnest and enthusiastic champion of the Democratic party, of which he is a firm and warm supporter, advocating loyalty and fidelity. Kind and considerate in his intercourse with his associates, and ever thoughtful and helpful in his business dealings, he enjoys the regard of the citizens of the community. ===========================================================================